Rennes – capital of Brittany

Rennes: Brittany in a nutshell

Sitting between Brittany and the rest of the world, between the past and the present, Brittany’s capital city was once called Condate, referring to the meeting point of two rivers. Both an official ‘City of Art and History’ and a flagship of digital innovation, Rennes is a joyful blend of dynamism and a laid-back lifestyle.

During a holiday or a weekend in Rennes, you can set off on foot to explore the town centre, with its cobbled streets lined with timbered houses and elegant properties with impressive façades. Head to the elegant gardens, Jardin du Thabor near the centre, to unwind or, on Saturday morning, wander around the Marché des Lices market, bursting with colour and flavour. It’s a must for anyone in Rennes! Convivial and surprising, Rennes is easy to explore thanks to its metro and bike-hire systems. It’s an ancient city but youthful, too, thanks to its dynamic university population, hipster boutiques, pavement cafés and restaurants… There’s also a lively line-up of cultural events including the famous Transmusicales, in December, or Tombées de la Nuit, in early July.